Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monroeville, AL (2024 Update)
- Monroeville Solar Installation Cost: $21,325
- 25-Year Savings: $33,515
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monroeville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Monroeville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Monroeville generally cost about 3.The average Monroeville homeowner needs a 8.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $21,325 with the federal tax credit, or $30,495 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Monroeville can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Monroeville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,477 |
| 3 years | $-15,782 |
| 5 years | $-12,087 |
| 7 years | $-8,392 |
| 9 years | $-4,696 |
| 11 years | $-1,001 |
| 13 years | $2,694 |
| 15 years | $6,389 |
| 17 years | $10,084 |
| 19 years | $13,779 |
| 21 years | $17,474 |
| 23 years | $21,170 |
| 25 years | $24,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Monroeville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Monroeville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monroeville
For many Monroeville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Monroeville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Monroeville average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Monroeville, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Monroeville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.63 | $15,244 | $18,083 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $24,501 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $31,115 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $37,925 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $44,929 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $52,130 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $59,525 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $67,116 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Monroeville, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Monroeville?
The average cost of solar panels in Monroeville is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.